RI Dept. of Health closes Spring Lake to swimming

July 7, 2013

By

Call staff

BURRILLVILLE â€” The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has recommended the closure of Spring Lake Beach Facility (50 Old Hillside Drive, Glendale) to swimming after a group of people who swam there on July 4 became ill with bloody diarrhea. HEALTH has not yet identified the source of the illness, but has taken water samples to test for bacteria. This facility has no history of high bacteria counts.
HEALTH is investigating what may have caused the illness. It appears that no one had consumed food prepared at the Spring Lake facility, but out of an abundance of caution, HEALTH's food inspectors were on site this morning.
Water test results are expected early tomorrow afternoon, as the testing process takes 24 hours. Anyone who recently swam at Spring Lake and is experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting should see his or her doctor.
PLEASE NOTE: Beach status may change on a daily basis. For up-to-date information about swimming at Rhode Island beaches, call (401) 222-2751 or visit www.health.ri.gov/beaches to use HEALTHâ€™s interactive beach map.